A coronavirus outbreak at a Scots hospital has sparked a staffing crisis after medics were forced into isolation.
University Hospital Hairmyres, in East Kilbride, confirmed a number of employees had tested positive for Covid-19 as an NHS Lanarkshire director urged workers to adhere to guidelines over the festive period, warning the health board was struggling to manage the emergence of the Omicron variant.
A source told the Record the staff shortage had sparked “chaos”, with staff in the hospital’s A&E and vascular wards amongst those affected.
But NHS Lanarkshire refused to confirm the departments impacted or the numbers of staff in isolation.
Russell Coulthard, NHS Lanarkshire deputy director of acute services, said staff were being drafted in from other areas to make sure vital services are delivered.
He said: “We can confirm that a number of staff have tested positive for Covid-19 and are currently isolating.
“NHS Lanarkshire’s Test and Protect team has carried out contact tracing with a number of staff having been identified as close contacts and are isolating for a 10-day period in line with current national guidance.
“This is adding to existing staffing challenges across health services.
“We are deploying staff from other areas to ensure our services can deliver effective patient care.”
Nicola Sturgeon is expected to hold a coronavirus press conference on Friday after cases of the Omicron variant continued to rise across Scotland to 109.
The NHS director warned staff and members of the public to be extra vigilant.
He said: “The emergence of the new Omicron variant in Lanarkshire, which may be three times more transmissible than the Delta variant, is already having a negative impact on many of our health services and this pressure is likely to increase in the coming weeks.
“As a result, we have asked all staff to pay particular attention to staying Covid-19 safe during the Christmas and New Year festive season.
“We urge our staff and the public to do all they can to minimise the risk of spreading infection - take regular lateral flow tests, especially before you socialise, continue to wear a face covering, maintain good hand hygiene, ventilate rooms and get your vaccine.
“We also urge the people of Lanarkshire to access the right care at the right place and keep emergency departments free for those with emergency care needs.”
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